Sports dentistry is a relatively new field in dentistry, with several slightly different definitions that tend to agree on one main focus: the prevention and treatment of dental and oral injuries resulting from sports. Sports dentists might recommend anything from protective mouthguards to educating athletes on how to avoid dental injury to having a team dentist—or even a combination of the three.
Probably the most common and well-known part of sports dentistry is the use of mouthguards for sports, primarily to prevent dental and oral injuries. First developed for boxing in the early 1900s, mouthguards are now pervasive and widely recommended gear for any sport with a risk of dental injury. This includes athletics outside traditional contact sports like boxing and football. Even activities like biking or gymnastics can be when safer with a mouthguard. Some studies suggest that mouthguards can help protect against concussions and other studies suggest no connection between the two, but the truth is far from clear.
Mouthguards come in three main varieties: over-the-counter generic fits, boil-and-bite types, and custom mouthguards whose creation is supervised by your dentist. We recommend the last type, even though it may be more expensive, because it will fit the best and offer the most protection. The first two are more readily available, but are not guaranteed to fit as well as a custom mouthguard and can be uncomfortable as well as less protective.
Mouthguards obviously play an important role in sports dentistry, but they are not the only aspect of the field. Sports dentistry heavily emphasizes education for athletes of all ages, such as teaching how to prevent injury (like using a mouthguard) or how to effectively react to a lost tooth. While other major focuses include restoration and recovery treatments for sports-related dental injuries, the linchpin of sports dentistry, like in other schools of dentistry, lies in education and prevention.
Appointments Before & After Work or School & on Saturdays & Sundays!
Request Online or Call Today!
Related Posts
The Role AI plays in Dentistry
The world of dentistry is always changing, taking on new & more advanced technologies to better care for patients. One technology has recently stood out in the news: Artificial Intelligence (AI). How this will affect dentistry will depend on the technology’s refinement but here are some preliminary possibilities & applications.
Healthy Gums are the Foundation of a Great Smile
Healthy gums play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of your teeth & mouth. Poor gum health can lead to various oral problems, including bad breath, tooth decay & gum disease. Poor gum health can also lead to more expensive care. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums.
How to Encourage Your Child’s Passion for Dentistry
You might be one of the lucky parents who never has to remind your child to brush & floss. Since early childhood, they’ve been fascinated with teeth, examining their fallen-out baby teeth, sad when the tooth fairy looks away, always pointing out new dental facts. It may be that a career in dentistry is in […]